UCF Seek Volunteers

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is seeking volunteers to take part in their Ben Nevis Challenge or the Celtic Mountain Challenge to raise funds for cancer patients and their families. They will climb Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, which stands at 4,408ft on Friday 30th July - Sunday 1st August or 10th September - Sunday 12th September in an average ascent of five hours and only three hours to come down. More adventurous walkers may like to register on UCF's Celtic Mountain Challenge and climb four of the highest peaks in Ireland in one weekend. Sponsorship is required for both activities, but transport, accommodation and a special celebratory meal are all provided. See. Get Active at: www.ulstercancer.org

Lord Mayor Honours War Dead

The Lord Mayor of Belfast is travelling to Dublin this weekend to lay a wreath at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens. Councillor Pat Convery will be attending the Service of Remembrance organised by the Royal British Legion Republic of Ireland. The ceremony will include a parade of Royal British Legion and Regimental Standards with representatives from The Irish Defence Forces Ex-Service Organizations. He is travelling at the invitation of the Taoiseach, and will also be attending the National Day of Commemoration Ceremony at Dublin's Royal Hospital Kilmainham. "By remembering those who sacrificed their lives we are also paying tribute to those who work for peace and reconciliation. It is important that we recognise our shared history in order to move forward with a shared future," the Belfast Mayor said. See: Queen To 'Cross Boyne' For Republic Visit?

Malta Flights Take Off

The long drive to Dublin airport to undertake flights to the holiday island of Malta are to be consigned to history as low-cost airline easyJet introduces flights from Belfast from February 11. Flights will be operated to and from Belfast International Airport on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Ali Gayward, easyJet's UK Commercial Manager, said: "We are delighted to be able to add this exciting new destination to the already attractive range of flights we offer. The island is famous for it clear blue waters and, for today's visitors, there is the obvious appeal of dry, warm summers," he said, noting that, "Malta is a very welcome addition to easyJet's existing hotspot destinations like Alicante, Faro, Ibiza, Malaga and Palma."

Adams Slams Lodges

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has described the decision by the Orange Order's Grand Lodge to reject draft proposals on parades as "deeply disappointing". He said yesterday: "The decision by the Orange leadership sends out a negative message to all progressive sections of our society and is a stark reminder of the sectarian undercurrent that marks the parading issue." See: DUP Seeks Talks On Orange Marches

Bann Pollution Highlighted

SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has claimed the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) spent over £68,000 investigating pollution incidents within the Lower Bann catchment between 2005 and 2009. Mr Dallat issued an Assembly question on the matter to the Minister for the Environment Edwin Poots. The answer disclosed there have been 411 incidents during that time and early indicative figures for this year are also high. "The problem of pollution on the River Bann is very serious and these disturbing figures do nothing for future plans to develop the river as 'The North's River Shannon'," he said, noting, "money is badly needed to implement the Water Framework Directive River Basin Managements Plans through a River Restoration and Improvement Programme over the next three years.

(BMcC/KMcA)